Patrick's Dilemma: Patrick was a boy who loved playing outdoor games like hockey, basketball, and Nintendo, but hated doing homework, calling it "too boring". His teachers constantly warned him that neglecting studies would leave him uneducated.
The Cat and the Elf: One day, Patrick found his cat playing with a tiny doll, which turned out to be an elf (a man of the tiniest size) wearing a woollen shirt, old-fashioned breeches, and a high tall hat. Terrified of the cat, the elf begged Patrick for rescue, promising to grant one wish. Patrick seized the opportunity: the elf must do all his homework until the end of the term (35 days).
The Irony and Hard Work: The elf was completely ignorant of human school subjects. Whenever Patrick brought his books, the elf shrieked for assistance:
- English: The elf didn't know word meanings and demanded Patrick fetch a dictionary, pronounce syllables, and read definitions aloud.
- Mathematics: Concepts like addition, subtraction, division, and timetables left the elf flabbergasted. Patrick had to sit beside him and calculate every step.
- Human History: To the elf, history was an impenetrable mystery, forcing Patrick to visit the library, haul heavy reference books, and read them chapter by chapter.
The Climax: Unconsciously, Patrick worked harder and stayed awake later than ever before. On the final day of school, the elf slipped away quietly. Patrick scored 'A' grades in all subjects, stunning his parents, teachers, and classmates. Patrick believed the tiny man had worked magic, but the narrator reveals the secret truth: Patrick had done all the homework himself!